One of GREC's core vehicles to share content and knowledge in the retail world are presentations delivered at industry events. Not only are our leadership team some of the most sought-after speakers in the retail industry, but our network of connections to executives from the world's premier retail brands, industry analysts, and retail experts means GREC can put together anything from a panel participant to an entire conference of content. Due to the volume of requests and overlapping industry events, we request that you contact us as far in advance as possible with inquires as to speaker availability.

Jim Crawford, GREC Executive Director

Having worked in the retail industry as an analyst, consultant, strategist and technology company executive, Jim has a unique perspective on the retail industry, bringing together divergent points of view - the consumer, the retailer, CPG supplier, and technology vendor - into a compelling storyline that addresses all sides of the issue.

Jim's Background

As a retail analyst at Forrester Research, Jim authored research reports on topics ranging from next-generation store design to the use of RFID in the retail supply chain.

At Retail Forward, Jim served as vice president and CTO, leading strategy projects for retailers including Home Depot, Metro, REI and Limited Brands and developing custom research for technology vendors including IBM, Oracle, and Intel.

Managing an annual marketing budget of $1.3 million at Intel Corporation during his tenure as global industry manager of retail/CPG, Jim increased vertical revenue by 32% in one year and led strategic proof of concept deployments at Wal-Mart, Metro, Tesco, and Circuit City.

As the director of industry solution marketing for SAP Retail, Jim created the go-to-market strategy for food, fashion, and hardlines as well as retooling SAP's trade show presence to tell a convincing story using HD video for the first time.

Jim's Research

Jim has authored and co-authored numerous research pieces on the retail industry - from analyst reports to white papers - on a diverse array of topics including:

  • Retail Web Services: Slow But Steady Growth
  • No One Stop For Retail Content Management - Yet
  • RFID Redefines the Retail Supply Chain
  • The ROI of Networking Specialty Stores
  • Benneton Brings Apparel Retail Into the RFID Age
  • Getting the Retail Technology Advantage
  • Multichannel Best Practices: Sears and REI
  • Building Smarter Stores
  • Data Strategies for Specialty Retailers
  • Sears + Lands' End = Multichannel Success
  • Paying With RFID, Smart Cards, and Biometrics
  • Retailers' Top Five Questions About RFID
  • Choosing an Outsourced eCommerce Provider
  • Payless ShoeSource Masters Alternative Fulfillment
  • Picking a POS System
  • Ten Quick eCommerce Site Fixes That Won't Break the Bank
  • E-Retail Economics
  • Multi-Channel Retailing Benchmarks and Best Practices
  • Transforming the Store
  • RFID: Unlocking the Value
  • 2016: The Future Value Chain
  • The New Normal: Rise of the Mobile Shopper

 

Selected Speaking Engagements:

 

RIS News Retail Technology Conference 2010:
"Adapting to the Rise of the Mobile Shopper"
Orlando

CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment Expo 2009:
"The Mobile Retail Experience"
San Diego

International Retail Design Conference:
"Store Design 2.0: Tech Ideas for the Next Phase of Retail"
Dallas

 

World Retail Congress 2009:
"Retail Innovation: Best Practices in a Down Economy"
Barcelona

 

Retail Solutions World Asia 2009:
"Thriving Under Pressure: Retail Growth & Innovation During the Global Recession"
Singapore

 

RIS News Retail Execuive Summit 2009:
"Introducing GREC"
Carlsbad

 

SAPPHIRE 2007:
"Retail Success at the Speed of Change"
Atlanta

 

Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association Sports & Technology 2006:
"The Future of Retailing"
La Jolla

JDA FOCUS 2006:
"The Next Great Things in Retail"
Las Vegas

Intel Retail Conference:
"Emerging Store Technologies"
Rome

 

RFID World Europe 2005:
"Lessons Learned: RFID in Retail"
London

RIS News Retail Executive Summit 2005:
"Retailing in China"
Scottsdale

Global Commerce Initiative 2005:
"Future Value Chain"
Amsterdam

FMI Marketechnics 2005:
"Technologies to Improve the Customer Experience"
Orlando

ECR Europe:
"From Supply Chain to Store Shelf: Future Value Chain"
Stockholm

 

Direct Marketing Association 2005:
"Closing the Gap in Multichannel Retail"
New York

China Retailing Conference:
"Global Retail Growth"
Shanghai

ECR South Africa 2005:
"Innovation: The Future of 21st Century Retailing"
Johannesburg

JDA Value Days 2005:
"Emerging Trends in Retail Technology"
Toronto

RIS News Retail Executive Summit 2004:
"2005 And Beyond: New Realities in Retail"
Scottsdale

RFID World 2004:
"Best Practices for RFID Pilots"
Chicago

RFID World Europe 2004:
"Retail RFID: Best Practices & Examples"
Frankfurt

Consumer Goods Technology Summit 2004:
"New Realities: Retailers and Consumer Goods Manufacturers"
Orlando

Outdoor Industry Association 2004:
"Aligning Retail Technology and Growth Strategy"
Denver

Retail Forward Strategic Outlook Conference 2004:
"The Future of Multichannel Retail"
San Francisco - New York - Chicago

National Retail Federation Big Show 2003
Super Session: "Beyond the Bar (Code): Introducing the Intelligent Value Chain"
New York City

Global Retail Technology Forum 2003:
"Building Smarter Stores"
Paris

Retail Systems 2003:
"RFID Redefines the Retail Supply Chain"
Chicago

RFID Journal Live 2003:
"Data Management in an EPC Environment"
Dallas

Home Improvement Industry Presidents Council 2003:
"Retailing in an Age of Uncertainty"
Chicago

eTail CRM Summit 2003:
"Using Data in Retail CRM"
Los Angeles

Private Label Manufacturers Association 2003:
"Auctions, Exchanges and Retail Technology.... Oh My!"
Washington, DC

Endorsements

Greg Buzek, IHL Group


"Jim has a unique way of presenting that cuts through the hype to look at technologies in a very real-world manner. When I hear him speak I am challenged to think differently about topics and buzzwords that are floating around the industry, ultimately helping me make better decisions and forecasts."

Jon Stine, Cisco System


"You'll find Jim at the future intersection of consumer behavior, technological possibilities, and operational realities. It's what makes his presentations both thought-provoking and actionable."

Tony Latona, Tech Global Partners


"Attending one of Jim's talks is as entertaining as it is informative. When he grabs the podium, the audience is noticeably impressed and engaged. Jim's ability to persuade is unparalleled, and I can recommend a presentation by Jim to be well worth the investment."

Mani Subramaniam, Wipro


"I often make my way to halls where he is speaking, as he has a practical, humorous way of bringing the future to us. He gives all of a gentle wake up call, reminding us that the future is now, and that we ought to be doing more things with the technology and tools we have, rather than wishing for Utopia. I always leave his speaking sessions with renewed energy and a sense of purpose."

Ken Chance


"Jim Crawford is an enthusiastic speaker who presents in an interesting, clear and concise manner. He engages the audience with relevant thoughts and ideas leaving you wanting to hear more about the integration of technology and more importantly mobile technology in our workplaces and our lives. I am eager to hear him speak again."

Chris Lyons, ST Media


"Jim Crawford is an exceptional presenter... engaging, dynamic and inspirational."

Isaac Krakovsky, PWC


"Jim is an acknowledged retail expert and his perspectives on the industry are insightful, global, and relevant in today's turbulent economic environment."